
Sheraton Resort on Sand Key
Best for travelers who want a quieter, beach-focused family stay with private beach access and on-site event space.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Sheraton Resort on Sand Key is a midsize, family-friendly Sheraton on a quieter stretch of Clearwater-area Gulf beach; read this if you want a beach-focused stay with event space and fewer organized activities. Island Grand at TradeWinds is a large, family-oriented beachfront resort complex on St. Pete Beach; read this if you want lots of pools, on-site entertainment and multiple dining options.
Updated

Best for travelers who want a quieter, beach-focused family stay with private beach access and on-site event space.

Best for families who want multiple pools, on-site water-park features, and lots of kid-focused activities and dining choices.
When Sheraton Resort on Sand Key wins: choose Sheraton Sand Key if you prefer a calmer beachfront experience, private Gulf-front sand, direct access to nearby nature trails and a property geared to family stays without a theme-park feel.
When Island Grand at TradeWinds wins: choose Island Grand if you want a big resort with many pools, multiple restaurants and bars, an on-site water-park option (surcharge), and a program of activities that keeps kids busy.
Bottom line: both are family-friendly Gulf Coast resorts but they aim at different trip styles — Sheraton Sand Key for a quieter, beach-and-restaurant-focused stay; Island Grand for an activity-heavy, resort-complex experience.
| Category | Sheraton Resort on Sand Key | Island Grand at TradeWinds |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Quieter, beach-focused Sheraton resort on a private stretch of Sand Key. | Large, busy family resort complex with lots of on-site activities. |
| Location | Clearwater Beach / Sand Key — private Gulf-front beach; close to Sand Key Park and Clearwater attractions. | St. Pete Beach — on the beach at 5500 Gulf Blvd, near Upham Beach and Splash Island. |
| Size (rooms) | Roughly 375–390 rooms (Sheraton brand property listing). | 381 guestrooms listed in supplier listing. |
| Who it's for | Families and groups wanting a quieter beach stay and on-site event/wedding space. | Families who want lots of pools, kids’ activities, and multiple dining options on property. |
| Pools & water features | Heated outdoor beachfront pool, separate children's pool, whirlpool/hot tub. | Five outdoor pools, two hot tubs, water slide and water-park access (surcharge). |
| Dining & bars | Several on-site venues including Rusty's Bistro, Mainstay Tavern, Slo Joe's Turtle Bar and Poolside Café. | Multiple on-site restaurants and cafes (4 restaurants, 2 coffee shops/cafes) and 3 bars/lounges plus poolside bars. |
| Spa & wellness | 24-hour fitness center; no verified on-site spa name found in public records for this Sheraton property. | Spa services listed on supplier listing (on-site spa services). |
| Signature features | Private Gulf-front beach on Sand Key, significant meeting and wedding facilities (large ballrooms and beach venue). | Large resort complex with water park access (surcharge), many outdoor pools and family entertainment amenities. |
| Family services | Children 17 and under stay free with existing bedding; kid-friendly pool and family programming nearby. | Children's pool, children's club (surcharge), arcade/game room and many family activities. |
| Accessibility & policies | Minimum check-in age 21; service animals allowed; property is smoke-free. | |
Sheraton Resort on Sand Key sits on a private Gulf-front beach with easy access to Sand Key Park and nearby Clearwater attractions.
Better if you want a quieter beach setting with nearby Clearwater attractions and nature trails.
Island Grand at TradeWinds sits directly on St. Pete Beach, with easy beach access and close proximity to Upham Beach and local family attractions.
Better if you want to be on St. Pete Beach with ready access to beach-side attractions and a compact resort complex.
Sheraton Sand Key has roughly 375–390 rooms with many private balconies and Gulf or Intracoastal views.
Better if you want a traditional hotel-room inventory with balcony options and accessible rooms.
Island Grand lists 381 guestrooms and a wide range of room and villa configurations, including Gulf-front balconies and multi-bedroom villas.
Better if you need flexible room configurations for larger families or multi-room villa options.
Sheraton Sand Key focuses on a small set of curated dining venues, including a signature beachfront restaurant.
Better if you prefer a few quality on-site dining options anchored by a recognized signature restaurant.
Island Grand offers multiple restaurants, cafes and bars across a larger property suited to families looking for variety.
Better if you want many on-site dining choices so you can eat on property throughout your stay.
Sheraton Sand Key centers on a heated beachfront pool, a separate children's pool and a whirlpool for a more relaxed pool scene.
Better if you want a calmer pool experience directly on a quieter stretch of beach.
Island Grand emphasizes a large pool and water-play provision with five outdoor pools and water-park features.
Better if you want a resort with lots of pool options and water-play attractions for kids.
Sheraton Sand Key has a 24-hour fitness center and casual on-site bars; no verified on-site spa name was found in public records for this property.
Better if you want a simple fitness option and low-key evening venues without a resort-entertainment scene.
Island Grand lists spa services and fitness/activities offerings alongside multiple bars and on-site entertainment.
Better if you want a property with on-site wellness options plus more active evening entertainment options for families.

Sheraton Resort on Sand Key — private Gulf-front beach, heated beachfront pool and a calmer atmosphere.

Island Grand at TradeWinds — five outdoor pools, water slide and water park access (surcharge) with an arcade and children's club.

Island Grand — wide range of room types and multi-bedroom villas for families who need extra space.

Sheraton Sand Key — large ballroom and extensive indoor/outdoor event space plus a private beach venue.
Island Grand at TradeWinds — it has multiple pools, a water slide, access to a water park (surcharge), an arcade and a children's club (surcharge).
Sheraton Resort on Sand Key — marketed and presented as a quieter, beach-focused family resort with private beach access and fewer organized on-site activities.
Yes. Both properties are family-friendly and list amenities for children; both note that children (generally up to age 17) can stay free when using existing bedding.
Island Grand lists spa services on its supplier profile. A verified, named on-site spa for Sheraton Sand Key was not found in public records.
Explore how Sheraton Resort on Sand Key stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·